Jeff Gordon promotes NASCAR Garage 56 documentary premiere as the much-anticipated feature “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans” debuts globally on Prime Video on June 12, capturing NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports’ high-stakes return to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The documentary spotlights their 2023 campaign in the prestigious Garage 56 slot, marking a renewal of American innovation and racing spirit in France.
NASCAR Returns to Le Mans with Garage 56 Ambitions
Originally attempted in 1976 when NASCAR and the France family made their initial foray at the famed endurance race, the Garage 56 project has once again brought an American stock car to one of the world’s top motorsport stages. The 2023 entry saw NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports take on the challenge of transforming a Chevrolet Camaro—built for the ovals of Daytona—into a machine ready to battle sports cars on the demanding Circuit de la Sarthe.
Jeff Gordon’s Passionate Advocacy and Perspective
As excitement builds around the film’s release, Jeff Gordon has stepped up efforts to engage both longtime NASCAR followers and an international audience. He highlighted the unique nature of the Garage 56 invitation, noting the rarity and significance of earning a spot in an event with over 100 years of history. Gordon explained the difficulties of adapting a stock car for European endurance racing and the team’s motivation to do more than participate—they aimed to compete at the highest level, representing America, Chevrolet, Goodyear, NASCAR, and Hendrick Motorsports.

“Then on top of that, there is a Garage 56 invitation. It’s only happened, I think, seven times, and the race has been over a hundred years in the making,”
—Jeff Gordon, Executive
He reflected on the emotional side of the journey and how the documentary offers a comprehensive look behind the curtain.
“It sends chills up my spine. This documentary does an amazing job of really capturing the behind-the-scenes and the challenges that it really created.”
—Jeff Gordon, Executive
Capturing the Le Mans Atmosphere and Changing Perceptions
Gordon expressed pride in representing America on such a prestigious stage and the powerful effect of hearing fans and the distinctive V8 engine filling the French air at Le Mans. He believes the documentary will change global perceptions of NASCAR, revealing its depth and the determination needed to compete overseas.
“You’re representing your country. I was so proud to be there, be American, their fans chanting, you know, America, USA, USA! And then you have this roar of this V8 engine that is unlike any sound that’s out there on that track,”
—Jeff Gordon, Executive
Behind the Documentary: Production and Racing Effort
The feature-length film, exclusively on Prime Video across more than 240 countries and territories, tracks NASCAR’s rare opportunity to celebrate Le Mans’ centennial with a Chevrolet Camaro stock car entry. Competing against world-class contenders like Ferrari and Porsche, the team faced immense technical and physical challenges in this 24-hour test of endurance.
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France realized a lifelong dream by commissioning Hendrick Motorsports, the most successful team in NASCAR history, to transform an American oval specialist into an endurance competitor fit for one of motorsport’s ultimate events. The car’s development spanned 18 months and brought together an elite driving roster: former Formula One champion Jenson Button, seven-time Cup Series winner Jimmie Johnson, and seasoned Le Mans driver Mike Rockenfeller.
The On-Track Battle and Documentary Team
During the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Garage 56 Camaro ran with the GT category leaders for over 20 hours, ultimately slowed by a driveline issue that cost over an hour in the pit. Nonetheless, the team completed 285 laps on the 8.4-mile course, finishing 39th in a demanding 62-car field—a testament to their preparation and perseverance.
Directed by Brad Lockhart and produced by NASCAR Studios and Griffin Van Malssen, with executive producers including Jeff Gordon, Tim Clark, John Dahl, Amy Anderson, Tally Hair, and Matt Summers, “American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans” promises an inside look at the project’s ambitions, setbacks, and ultimate achievements.
Impact and Future Prospects
The documentary aims to immerse viewers in both the technical breakthroughs and emotional victories that defined the Garage 56 project, establishing NASCAR’s evolving image on a worldwide platform. As Jeff Gordon and the team rally fans and new viewers alike, the film’s global premiere on Prime Video signals a new chapter, inspiring appreciation for NASCAR’s drive, innovation, and ability to compete against the best in the world.